North Carolina-based PowerServices Inc. has been selected to provide an independent review and verification of Boulder's modeling for a new electric utility, the city announced Thursday.

The review is meant to determine whether the city's modeling meets Boulder charter requirements to establish a municipal electric utility.

In November 2011, voters narrowly approved an amendment to Boulder's home rule charter that authorized formation of a light and power utility provided that the city demonstrated it could meet several requirements, and a third-party expert verified those requirements could be met.

The requirements include whether the utility can acquire Xcel Energy's existing electrical distribution system and charge rates that would not exceed those charged by Xcel at the time acquisition.

According to the city, PowerServices Inc. has 45 years of experience providing engineering and management services to the electric utility industry, including municipal utilities.

The review is scheduled to begin May 28, and PowerServices will present its findings to the City Council at a July 23 study session. The company will then be asked to address questions raised by the City Council in advance on an Aug. 6 meeting.

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